George Springer is “feeling better” a day before the Toronto Blue Jays’ biggest game of the postseason.
Blue Jays manager John Schneider said Springer was recovering quickly after taking a fastball to the inside of his right knee in Game 5 of the American League Championship Series (ALCS). Toronto hosts the Mariners in Game 6 on Sunday with Seattle leading the best-of-seven series 3-2.
“I feel better today. The CT scan he had last night was negative,” Schneider said at a news conference during optional workouts at Rogers Center on Saturday. “Just a bruise, as we say.”
“But he’s getting treatment, he’ll do some things here in a little while, probably moving around. But he’ll feel a lot better than he did yesterday.”
Springer, 36, fell to the ground after being hit by Woo’s pitch and remained down in the batter’s box as Schneider and coach Drew MacDonald left the dugout. Springer cautiously walked toward first, tried to run a few steps, then walked away and was replaced by pinch-runner Joey Loperfido.
Schneider said Springer received treatment Saturday and was expected to test his knee at a team workout.
“Just make sure you don’t mind swinging and running,” Schneider said. “But he’s a tough guy, so I’m hopeful and optimistic that he’ll be ready.”
Schneider said the only hurdle Springer must overcome is saying he’s ready for the critical Game 6 on Sunday.
“George has played a lot, probably more than you know this year, but also throughout his career,” Schneider said. “So make sure he doesn’t mind swinging or running.
“But he’s a tough guy, so I’m hopeful and optimistic that he’ll be ready.”
Springer has had a resurgent season, batting .309 with 32 home runs, 84 RBIs, 18 stolen bases and a .399 on-base percentage.
He has hit .256 with three home runs and six RBIs this postseason. His 22 career playoff home runs are tied with Bernie Williams for fourth.
Bichette “making progress”, says Schneider
Schneider said injured shortstop Bo Bichette still hasn’t run the bases since stopping in an attempt last Saturday, the day before the American League Championship Series began.
“You’ve probably seen it in the outfield, but not on the bases yet,” Schneider told reporters. “Maybe he’ll do it today. But he’s definitely making progress. He’s definitely making progress with his swing, too.”
Bichette finished second in the major leagues behind Aaron Judge of the New York Yankees with a .311 batting average.
Bichette has not played since being injured in a Sept. 6 collision with Yankees catcher Austin Wells. He is eligible for free agency after the World Series.
Seattle leads the best-of-seven series 3-2 and won both games in Toronto, 3-1 in Game 1 and 10-3 in Game 2.
